Responses to the EU 2030 energy framework

UKPIA

The Commission’s proposals for an industrial renaissance acknowledge the challenges facing the industrial sector in the EU and the crucial need to maintain and increase competitiveness. The 2030 framework for climate and energy announces a single 40% GHG target for Europe, below the 1990 level and an EU wide binding target for renewable energy of at least 27%.

Chris Hunt, UKPIA’s Director General commented, ‘the recognition that climate, energy and environment challenges must be compatible with keeping the EU competitive is encouraging. UKPIA welcomes a single specific target for GHG emissions’ reduction and the individual freedom for Member States to define pathways and achieve overall targets. However, the process for interaction between Member States and Commission is crucial and UKPIA looks forward to a positive and constructive debate on policy options.’

UK Department of Energy & Climate Change

Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Edward Davey said, ‘today’s proposals are a step in the right direction towards an ambitious emissions reduction target for Europe. They provide the flexibility to tackle climate change in the most cost effective way, so that British consumers aren’t paying over the odds to go green. This package backs the green growth agenda I’ve been working for with other European colleagues.

‘Yet Britain has been clear that Europe must be ready to adopt a 50% target if the rest of the world is prepared to sign an ambitious global climate deal in 2015.

‘It’s good news that the Commission has listened to the UK argument that countries must be allowed to decarbonise in the cheapest way possible. However, the UK remains concerned about any renewables target especially as the debate within Parliament and the British green movements has moved on to technology neutral options like decarbonisation target as the most cost effective and practical way of fighting climate change.

‘The reform package for Europe’s Carbon market is another important and welcome step in the right direction. We had proposed more comprehensive reforms but these proposals have the potential to revive the EU ETC and deliver more emissions reductions at least cost.’

RenewableUK

Responding to the announcement by the European Commission, RenewableUK regretted the lack of ambition showed in not proposing national binding targets on renewable energy past 2020.

RenewableUK Chief Executive Maria McCaffery said, ‘the Commission has gone out of its way to point out that member states are still free to set their own nationally binding renewable energy targets, so it is not too late for the UK government to take leadership on this issue. To meet the binding GHG targets and also the UK government’s stated aim of tackling climate change, we need to keep investing in the world beating renewable sources we have, which can also bring thousands of jobs and help our energy security.’